IBM and Salesforce Partner on AI

by Developer.com Staff

Einstein and Watson will work together.

In a somewhat surprising move, IBM and Salesforce have announced that they are working together on artificial intelligence (AI). The two companies have competing AI platforms: IBM's Watson and Salesforce's Einstein. As a result of this new deal, the companies will roll out APIs to integrate Watson with Einstein, and IBM will sell consulting services to Salesforce customers using Einstein.

“The combination of Einstein and Watson will make businesses smarter and our customers more successful,” said Marc Benioff, chairman and CEO of Salesforce. “I’m thrilled to form an alliance with IBM — no company’s core values are as close to Salesforce’s as IBM’s. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Ginni Rometty, chairman, president and CEO at IBM, added, “Within a few years, every major decision — personal or business — will be made with the help of AI and cognitive technologies."